Dispute Resolution Office
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Family Mediation Practicum Project
If you are in the process of separating or divorcing, you may be able to work out disagreements through mediation, rather than going to court. The Family Mediation Practicum Project has been operating in New Westminster since January 2004 and provides free mediation services for family disputes about custody, access, guardianship, child support, and simple property matters.
One of the objectives of the project is to expand the number of qualified family mediators in the province. In the project, one mediator is guided by a senior, highly trained mediator (or mentor), who assists the mediator to prepare for and conduct each session.
An evaluation of the Family Mediation Practicum Project was completed in June 2005. The study found that the project had successfully achieved all its objectives. Exceptionally high satisfaction ratings were reported by clients who participated in mediation, by mediators and by project mentors. Click here [PDF] to read the full report.
If you think you might like to try to resolve a family dispute through mediation, contact the Family Mediation Practicum Project [PDF] at 604 516-0788 for more information about the free service it provides. Click here [PDF] to read more about family mediation in general.
If you are interested in becoming a mediator in the project, please submit an application form. [PDF] You will be contacted by project staff about the next available class of mediators. If you are interested in becoming a project mentor, please submit an application form. [PDF]
The project receives funding from the Law Foundation of BC and the BC Ministry of Attorney General. It is administered by a non-profit society, the BC Dispute Resolution Practicum Society. The society has experience in providing practicum opportunities for mediators and mediation services. Currently, it administers the Court Mediation Program in several Provincial Court Small Claims registries. |
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